According to the article “The Top 10 Leading Causes of Death in the United States” in Medical News Today from February 2017 by Hannah Nichols, the number one leading cause of death is heart disease. The second is cancer. Nichols said, “Anyone can develop cancer, but the risk of most types of cancer increases with age, and some individuals have higher or lower risk due to differences in exposure to carcinogens and as a result of genetic factors.”

The World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research recommend cancer prevention by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans, limiting fast foods, limiting red and processed meat, limiting sugar-sweetened drinks, limiting alcohol consumption and not relying on supplements.

Healthline reports that eating too much of certain foods may increase cancer risk, like sugar and refined carbs and overly processed meat. There are certain foods that contain cancer-fighting properties, like vegetables, fruits, flaxseeds, spices, beans and legumes, nuts, olive oil, garlic, fish and dairy.

Everyday Health anti-cancer diet guides to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, sip green tea, eat more tomatoes, use olive oil, snack on grapes, use garlic and onions abundantly and eat fish.

According to the National Cancer Institute, as much as 80 percent of all cancers are due to identified factors, and thus are potentially preventable. Diet is one way to help prevent cancer.

Dos and don’ts of cancer

Do:

Drink water.

Eat “mixed” food for breakfast, for example containing a little carbohydrate, a little protein and a little fat.

Eat less fat.

Increase the amount of fiber in your diet.

Eat nutrient-dense foods every day.

Don’t:

Rely on pills for nutrition.

Walk around dehydrated.

Eat sugary foods in the morning.

Eat daily amounts of corn oil and soybean oil, especially if hydrogenated.

Expect to get more fiber by eating iceberg or head lettuce; they have miniscule amounts of fiber.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America